Fit for ISK: Deep Space Exploration Helios

This is my first try at what will hopefully be a series of fitting posts. The focus is going to be on PvE fittings. How to get your ships to make ISK for you as safely as EVE will allow.

First up is deep space exploration of data and relic sites. Aside from trading and manufacturing the idea of exploring unknown space drew me into this game. The best tool I have found for the job are the Covert Ops exploration frigates. Since this is a ship I use to make ISK with it has to be good at what it does, survivable and relatively cheap. Here is my Helios fit:


Core Probe Launcher I (Core Scanner Probes x8)
Covert Ops Cloaking Device II

Data Analyzer I
Relic Analyzer I
Limited 1MN Microwarpdrive I
Cargo Scanner II
Scan Rangefinding Array I

Nanofiber Internal Structure II
Warp Core Stabilizer I
Warp Core Stabilizer I

Small Emission Scope Sharpener I
Small Memetic Algorithm Bank I

The fit itself is pretty simple.

High Slots: The Core Probe Launcher is to scan down the sites. I am using the basic launcher because for relic and data sites you don't need the combat probes from the expanded launcher. I avoided the Sisters of Eve launcher and probes because frankly they are very expensive and the basic launcher and probes get the job done just fine for our purposes. The Covert Ops cloak is your only "tank". The best way to not get this ship blown up is to never be seen.

Mid Slots: The Data and Relic Analyzers are your money makers. These allow you to engage in the hacking mini-game to get the loot in Data and Relic containers. If you have the skills to get the Tech 2 analyzers then by all means fit them. If you are serious about exploring as a profession then they are excellent investments in skill training and additional costs. The Microwarpdrive is there to quickly move from can to can within the site minimizing the amount of time spent scanable and killable. The next two items are nice but not strictly needed. The Cargo Scanner lets you see what is in the various hackable containers and then prioritize which to hack first. This allows you to get the most valuable loot first in case you have to leave the site. The Scan array is a nice little boost to your scan strength and helps you find sites a bit quicker.

Low Slots: The Warp Core Stabilizers are there to hopefully escape a potential ganker. If they only have a single point or scram fitted you can just warp away. If they have multiple scrams you're likely dead and you can't fit 4 stabs anyways. The nanofiber is there to boost agility and get into warp faster. Another option is to replace the stabs with a full rack of nanofibers and give up the ability to ignore scrams in exchange for faster warp off time. Either is viable. The Helios is a nimble ship and you may be able to outrun and escape many threats if you spot them quickly enough.

Rigs: These two rigs provide extra coherency (health) for your analyzer viruses. This gives you that little bit of boost needed for especially hard hacks and can help reduce the number of failed hacks you suffer. Now many people use the Small Gravity Capacitor Upgrades to boost scan strength. I find that extra scan strength to be unneeded for relic and data sites. If you also plan on using your Covops to scout as well you may want to grab the extra scan strength these rigs provide. The rig slots are very much up to personal preference as I realize that many people use the same ship for multiple roles and rigs can't be swapped out without destroying them.

There you have it. A relitively cheap and non-skill intensive fit capable of doing any relic and data site in the game not protected by sleepers.